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Hiking the Escalante Wilderness in Utah is a treat – especially the Deer Creek Trail. On a trip to southwestern Utah we decided to do the Deer Creek trail hike after hearing that the unsigned trail was supposed to be easy to follow. The trailhead was only about seven miles from where we were staying in Boulder – just off the Burr Trail – an exceptionally scenic road that is well worth investigating at the end of the hike.
The Deer Creek trail is obvious for most of the route. And it’s easy to get your bearings if you veer off since trees line the creek – and they’re the only big ones for miles around.
Deer Creek trail hike description
The trailhead was obvious because of a campground – appropriately named the Deer Creek Campground. We started just across from it.
Heading off we had no real idea of what we were getting into and how long the Deer Creek trail might be. In theory we knew you could hike all the way to the Escalante River – but this is canyon country and we didn’t know if we’d need ropes to accomplish that.
And we hadn’t had our day of canyoneering yet so I was still circumspect about getting in over our heads.
The unmarked Deer Creek Trail is easy to follow
As it turned out the Deer Creek Trail really was easy to follow. In fact we were tempted to go and hike up some of the nearby hills on the slickrock that is so prevalent in the area. But we didn’t – more because of the heat – about 85°F in mid-October and we hadn’t brought enough water.
Enjoy beautiful canyon scenery
As we continued along the Deer Creek trail the canyon walls grew bigger and bigger. Not only that but our world started to narrow. We got to the point where we had no choice but to turn around or wade through the water.
So wade we did – in water so cold our feet hurt within seconds of being in it.
We continued for about 15 more minutes from where we had slipped on the Tevas. John was a little disappointed that I wasn’t feeling more adventurous and in hindsight perhaps we should have explored further.
I thought it was better to be safe than sorry. And the debris left from an obviously recent flash flood had my imagination working overtime. We retraced our steps and found a lovely lunch spot in the shade with canyon views that were nothing short of spectacular.
And then we did some nearby exploring of the rock below and found a petroglyph.
Time needed for the Deer Creek Trail hike
All told the hike took us about four hours including a long lunch stop and several breaks in the shade just to admire the scenery. We saw a total of three people – all within the first half mile of the car.
The hike certainly gave you the sense of being out there and if we’d had decent maps and more canyoneering skills I think we could have explored further.
Another nearby hiking option
Another hike we had thought we’d do but decided against it because of the afternoon heat was The Gulch – just four miles further up the Burr Trail. It takes you up Long Canyon and can be hiked in either direction. Instead we enjoyed a drive of the Burr Trail from the air conditioned comfort of our car. But we have a reason now to return.
Tips for hiking the Deer Creek Trail, Escalante Wilderness in Utah
Carry lots of water.
Bring a wide brimmed hat and lather up with sunscreen.
Always carry the 10 hiking essentials.
Leave a note – with someone or at the very least in your car on where you plan to hike.
Keep an eye on the weather. Canyons are prone to flash floods.
At the end of the hike, I highly recommend a meal at Hell’s Backbone Grill and Farm.
Location map of the Deer Creek Trail hike
Further reading on hikes in Utah
- The Fairyland Loop Trail in Bryce Canyon
- Best Hikes in Snow Canyon State Park, Utah
- Chimney Rock Trail, Capitol Reef National Park
- A Visit to Kodachrome Basin State Park in Utah
- Wire Pass to Buckskin Gulch Hike
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